The protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar has entered a new and more confrontational phase after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike. Soon after being released from police detention, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke announced that he would continue the agitation by launching his own indefinite hunger strike, signalling that the movement will not lose momentum despite Wangchuk’s hospitalization.
Dipke’s announcement marks a significant turning point in the ongoing protest, which initially centred on demands for accountability in India’s education system. With Wangchuk now under medical supervision, protest leaders have vowed to intensify their campaign, claiming that the government’s actions have only strengthened their resolve.
Dipke Takes Charge of the Protest
Addressing supporters outside Jantar Mantar after his release, Dipke declared that he would continue the hunger strike in Wangchuk’s place. He accused the Delhi Police of attempting to suppress a peaceful democratic movement by forcibly removing Wangchuk from the protest site.
Dipke also alleged that he was physically manhandled during the operation in which police shifted Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital. According to him, the police action was aimed at weakening the movement rather than protecting the activist’s health.
The police have maintained that Wangchuk was taken to the hospital following medical advice and in compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court to ensure his safety.
Protest Demands Take a Political Turn
The agitation has also witnessed a dramatic shift in its political messaging. Until Wangchuk’s hospitalization, the primary demand focused on seeking accountability over alleged examination irregularities, particularly the NEET-UG paper leak controversy, and calling for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Following the latest developments, Dipke announced that the movement would broaden its demands. Speaking to supporters, he said the protest would now seek Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resignation, arguing that the government’s handling of the protest reflected a larger failure to protect democratic rights. The statement marks a notable escalation in rhetoric and is likely to intensify the political debate surrounding the protest.
‘Chalo Sansad’ March to Continue
Despite heightened security at Jantar Mantar and the removal of Wangchuk from the protest site, organisers have insisted that their planned “Chalo Sansad” march remains on schedule.
Dipke urged students and supporters from across the country to continue gathering in Delhi ahead of the proposed Parliament march on July 20. According to protest leaders, the movement will proceed as planned regardless of Wangchuk’s hospitalization.
Police have increased security around the protest venue to prevent large gatherings and maintain law and order, but organisers say they remain committed to carrying out the march peacefully.
More Hunger Strikers Face Health Risks
The protest is no longer centred solely on Wangchuk. Several student activists continue their indefinite fast, raising concerns about a wider humanitarian situation at the protest site.
Three members of the All India Students’ Association (AISA) identified as Neha, Aameen and Manish—have reportedly crossed 20 days without food as part of the agitation. Doctors monitoring the protesters have expressed concern over their deteriorating health, with at least one participant reportedly advised to seek immediate hospitalisation due to worsening vital signs.
Their continued participation highlights how the movement has evolved into a broader student-led campaign involving multiple organisations rather than a single protest spearheaded by Wangchuk alone.
Movement Enters a New Phase
With Sonam Wangchuk recovering under medical observation and Abhijeet Dipke assuming leadership of the on-ground protest, the agitation has entered a decisive phase. The combination of prolonged hunger strikes, allegations of police excess, expanding political demands, and the proposed march to Parliament has significantly raised the stakes.
As authorities continue to monitor the situation and medical concerns grow for several fasting protesters, all eyes will be on whether dialogue can ease tensions or whether the confrontation will deepen in the days ahead.
